Help — Product care

Product care

01 —

Washing

InstructionDoDon’t
Read this first

This product care guide covers washing, drying, ironing and storing EKVAAR pieces. Start with the care line on the product page: it is written for that piece’s fabric and finish, and it comes first. Most good care comes down to cold water, turning pieces inside out and patience with drying.

  • Read the care line on the product page before the first wash
  • Wash inside out in cold water
  • Do not tumble dry printed or graphic pieces
Cold wash (≤30°C)
  • Use water temperature at or below 30°C to prevent shrinkage and color fading
  • Ideal for preserving fabric integrity and graphic prints
  • Use mild, color-safe detergent
  • Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals
  • Do not soak garments for extended periods
Machine wash
  • Use cold or warm water (max 30°C)
  • Select gentle or normal cycle depending on fabric weight
  • Separate dark and light colors
  • Close all zippers and fastenings before washing
  • Do not overload the machine
Hand wash
  • Use cold water and gentle detergent
  • Gently agitate without twisting or wringing
  • Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
  • Press out excess water gently—do not wring
  • Recommended for delicate prints and specialty fabrics
Gentle / delicate wash
  • Use the delicate or gentle cycle on your machine
  • Cold water only
  • Minimal agitation to protect fabric and prints
  • Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection
  • Ideal for garments with embellishments or fine fabrics
Inside-out washing
  • Turn garments inside out before washing
  • Protects prints, graphics, and outer fabric from friction
  • Reduces pilling and surface wear
  • Preserves color vibrancy
  • Recommended for all printed and graphic garments
HOSTILU Oversized Tee in Noor Black, printed tee care: wash inside out in cold water
Printed pieces like the HOSTILU Oversized Tee keep their print longer with cold, inside-out washing.
02 —

Drying

InstructionDoDon’t
Air dry (flat)
  • Lay garment flat on a clean, dry surface
  • Reshape while damp to maintain original form
  • Prevents stretching and distortion
  • Ideal for heavy knits and structured garments
  • Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
Air dry (hang)
  • Hang on a sturdy hanger or clothesline
  • Ensure garment is evenly distributed to avoid stretching
  • Hang in a well-ventilated area
  • Suitable for most t-shirts and lightweight garments
  • Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources
Tumble dry (when allowed)
  • Use low heat setting only
  • Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles
  • May cause shrinkage—check care label first
  • Air drying is always the safer option
  • Not recommended for printed or graphic garments
Shade drying
  • Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area
  • Protects colors from UV fading
  • Prevents fabric degradation from sun exposure
  • Essential for dark and vibrant colors
  • Recommended for all EKVAAR garments
ORIGINAL Hoodie in Neel Blue, brushed fleece care
Fleece care: heavier fleece, like the ORIGINAL Hoodie, holds its shape best when it dries flat in the shade.
03 —

Ironing

InstructionDoDon’t
Low heat ironing
  • Set iron to low or medium heat (max 150°C)
  • Iron while garment is slightly damp for best results
  • Test on an inconspicuous area first
  • Use a pressing cloth for extra protection
  • Avoid high heat to prevent fabric damage
Steam ironing
  • Use steam setting on low to medium heat
  • Hold iron slightly above fabric for delicate materials
  • Effective for removing wrinkles without direct contact
  • Keep iron moving to avoid heat spots
  • Do not apply steam directly to prints or graphics
Inside-out ironing
  • Turn garment inside out before ironing
  • Protects prints, graphics, and embellishments
  • Prevents shine and surface damage
  • Use low heat and avoid direct pressure on printed areas
  • Mandatory for all screen-printed and heat-transfer designs
No-iron garments
  • Some fabrics and prints should never be ironed
  • Check care label for iron restrictions
  • Use a steamer as an alternative
  • Hang immediately after washing to minimize wrinkles
  • If ironing is necessary, use a pressing cloth and low heat
04 —

Fabric-specific care

InstructionDoDon’t
Cotton & cotton blends
  • Wash in cold water to prevent shrinkage
  • May shrink slightly after first wash—this is normal
  • Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
  • Iron on medium heat if needed
  • Durable and breathable—ideal for everyday wear
Polyester & synthetic fabrics
  • Wash in cold water on gentle cycle
  • Resistant to shrinkage and wrinkles
  • Air dry recommended—avoid high heat
  • Quick-drying and low-maintenance
  • Do not iron directly on prints
Fleece & terry fabrics
  • Wash inside out in cold water
  • Use gentle cycle to preserve softness
  • Air dry flat or hang to maintain shape
  • Avoid fabric softeners—they reduce absorbency
  • Do not iron fleece or terry surfaces
Stretch / ribbed components
  • Wash in cold water on gentle cycle
  • Air dry flat to prevent stretching
  • Reshape while damp to maintain elasticity
  • Do not wring or twist—gently press out water
  • Avoid high heat and tumble drying
CORE Long Sleeve Tee in Arav Green, cotton care
Cotton care: pieces like the CORE Long Sleeve Tee may shrink slightly after the first wash; cold water keeps that small.
05 —

Prints & graphics

InstructionDoDon’t
Screen prints
  • Wash inside out in cold water
  • Air dry to preserve print quality
  • Limit washing frequency to extend print life
  • Avoid abrasive surfaces and friction
  • Do not iron directly on print—use inside-out method
Heat transfers
  • Wash inside out in cold water only
  • Handle gently to prevent peeling or cracking
  • Never iron directly on transfer
  • Avoid high heat and tumble drying
  • Do not use bleach or harsh detergents
Specialty finishes
  • Includes embroidery, foil, puff prints, and embellishments
  • Hand wash or use delicate cycle
  • Air dry only—no heat exposure
  • Store carefully to avoid crushing or damage
  • Do not iron over specialty areas
06 —

Storage

InstructionDoDon’t
Short-term storage
  • Fold or hang garments based on fabric type
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
  • Ensure garments are clean and completely dry before storing
  • Use breathable storage containers or hangers
  • Avoid overcrowding to prevent wrinkles
Long-term storage
  • Clean garments thoroughly before long-term storage
  • Use acid-free tissue paper for delicate items
  • Store in breathable garment bags—avoid plastic
  • Keep in a cool, dry, dark environment
  • Check periodically for moisture, pests, or odors
Seasonal storage
  • Rotate wardrobe seasonally to extend garment life
  • Store off-season items in breathable containers
  • Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests
  • Refold or rehang periodically to prevent creases
  • Avoid damp basements or hot attics
07 —

Long-term care

InstructionDoDon’t
Shape retention
  • Air dry flat or hang to maintain original shape
  • Store properly to prevent stretching or distortion
  • Rotate garments to avoid excessive wear on favorites
  • Avoid over-washing—wash only when necessary
  • Do not wring or twist garments
Color longevity
  • Wash in cold water to preserve color vibrancy
  • Turn garments inside out before washing
  • Use color-safe detergents without bleach
  • Separate dark and light colors during washing
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure when drying or storing
Fabric aging
  • Natural wear and softening over time is normal
  • Gentle care extends fabric life and appearance
  • Rotate wear to distribute aging evenly
  • Embrace the character that develops with proper care
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat

Care labels can look cryptic. The symbols on a garment label follow a shared system, explained in the laundry symbol article on Wikipedia. If a label and this page ever differ, follow the label and the product page.

For more depth, read how to wash a hoodie, how to keep white tees white and how to fold and store hoodies. Every EKVAAR piece is made in India for you once you reserve it, and a little care keeps it in your wardrobe for years.

POCHAMPALLY Zip Hoodie, zip care before washing
Close the zip on pieces like the POCHAMPALLY Zip Hoodie before washing, so the teeth do not catch the fabric.